The status of the drones in 2016

The industry of drones has been the subject of considerable growth in recent years . In addition to the increase in popularity among consumers, linking this series of products of high caliber projects led by companies like Amazon or Google has provided greater visibility and has uncovered a future full of possibilities.

Fields of application of the drones are endless Amazon, for example, is already working with drones to deliver their shipments in a more efficient and speedy manner. Mapping companies frequently use these products to improve and evaluate the maps developed.

Security companies take advantage of the many virtues of these small aircraft to provide security levels higher than ever in very large spaces. And if this were not enough, some bodies of the army of USA., Among others, are already using drones to plan and carry out attacks on enemies more quietly and efficiently.

At a lower level, drones also are frequently used by movie studios and photographers in order to capture very complex and exotic aerial scenes. And it is more versatile and economical to purchase a drone to record a scene 15 minutes to get on a helicopter with a camera under his arm.

Given these possibilities, industry drone has been a steady increase in sales in recent years. Only in 2015, the firm Juniter Research estimated four million units sold around the world. According to his predictions, over the next four years it will be steady growth, reaching 16 million in 2020.

Another study by Tractica ensures an exponential growth in revenue generated by the sale of drones , which reach values of four billion dollars per year (4,000 million euros) in 2025. In this prediction, Tractica positions USA.

The main market, followed closely by Asia and Europe, respectively.

In 2015 four million units sold are estimated. By 2020, that number should increase to 16 million annually

However, the industry drones have a long way to go before settling as a standardized resource. The first step is the correct law of these UAVs, which is non-existent, invalid or partially confusing in some countries, leaving the way to espionage and violation of privacy, among others.

Current legislation on drones are restrictive and inefficient in the United States, for example, legislation regarding drones is divided into two parts: the drones commercial and drones consumer. In the first case, the legislation is the same as for any other commercial device that circulate through the country’s airspace.

In the second case, however, they are regulated under the same laws as the popular aircraft scale. In this situation, companies like Google have publicly shown a serious rejection, claiming the US government a new specific rules adapted to this type of vehicle.

In Europe the situation is no different. The companies involved in this industry require new regulations that grant greater operational flexibility, at the same time preserve the security and privacy of users.

And considering the exponential growth of drones and its fundamental role in some industries of the future such as messaging or map-making, it is postulated as an essential step in the development of rules adapted to the risks and needs of this type aircraft-rather than generically rules apply.

In Spain, the current legislation is separated into two paths, depending on the purpose for which we fly the drone.

Only your flight is allowed in authorized, as model airplane flying sites unpopulated areas or areas. Flying over towns and large concentrations of people is forbidden, as is its use at night.

Is prohibited use in airports, airfields or the like.

When using the drone for commercial purposes, the regulations are summarized as follows:

Is a prerequisite to register for EASA have a specific insurance, have valid medical certificate and demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of the aircraft.

Only your flight is allowed in authorized, as model airplane flying sites unpopulated areas or areas.

Flying over towns and large concentrations of people is forbidden, as is its use at night.

Is prohibited use in airports, airfields or the like.

If exceed 25kg weight, you must have a certificate of airworthiness.

These items specified by EASA severely restrict the operation of the drones and expansion of this industry in the Spanish territory. In fact, the regulations currently set, it would be impossible to expand programs such as “Amazon Prime Air” for the national government and EFSA considered illegal flight of these aircraft over urban areas or large crowds. In Mexico and other Latin American countries, the regulations set by the authorities is relatively similar.

Given this situation, the creation of a more progressive, permissive and adapted to the particularities of these aircraft regulations is essential for the proper advancement of the industry. Unfortunately, the protection of the privacy and security of the inhabitants difficult the task, so that governments and the companies involved have to continue discussions to reach a common point where both security and the advancement of the industry they are secured.